Part 41 (1/2)

Everything is spinning too fast and I . . .

”So, we're not bonded anymore?” I ask as Solana helps me sit on the sand.

”She isn't.”

”What does that mean?”

G.o.d-for once could she just answer a question completely?

”It means that you're no longer a part of her. But she's still a part of you. Unless you decide to let go. . . .”

She rubs the skin on her wrist, where her bracelet used to be.

Her link.

I always thought it was sad the way Arella clung to her connection to her husband, despite the fact that he was gone.

Now it gives me hope.

I'll be holding on to Audra with every ounce of strength I have left.

I close my eyes, taking slow breaths.

I will get Audra back. And I'm going to bring Gus back too.

But to do that we have to move fast.

Every second counts.

AUDRA.

I.

t's cold in the tower.

Chilled air seeping through the bars of my narrow window. Thick frost coating everything I touch.

Raiden offered me a blanket when he tossed me onto the rough stone floor and barred the heavy iron door. But the only thing I want is my freedom, and since he's not willing to give that, I'll find a way to take it.

I've combed the walls for the guide Aston mentioned, but he must've carved it into a different cell. Maybe the one Gus is locked in. Wherever it is, I'll find it.

In the meantime I keep my back to the wall, never sleeping- barely breathing. Listening to the mournful wails of the broken Northerlies and promising myself that when Raiden comes for me, I'll be ready.

He doesn't believe the secret is lost.

It's why he's kept me alive.

Why he's kept Gus alive.

Waiting for the right time to break me.

But it's gone.

Everything is gone.

Everything except the gentle breeze I can still feel brus.h.i.+ng my skin. Wrapping around me. Still determined to s.h.i.+eld me. I don't deserve its loyalty.

But in this dark, frozen place, far away from the warmth and peace and things that hurt too much to think about, it helps to have something to hold on to.

And even though I can't understand the words it sings, I have a feeling I know the theme of its melody.

Hope.

VANE.

T.